An Exploration of Coping in Caregivers of Transition-Aged Autistic Youth

Caregiver coping in response to autistic youth’s problem behaviors have rarely been explored. In a final sample of 172 caregivers of transition-age autistic youth (age 16–30 years), living in the Midwest United States, caregivers’ responses on how they coped with different problem behaviors were analyzed. Caregivers described adaptive coping in response to all problem behaviors. When caregivers mentioned maladaptive coping, they often did so in relation to adaptive responses. In addition, caregivers’ use of instrumental support was limited, suggesting a need for broader support for caregivers. This qualitative exploration of how caregivers respond to youth problem behaviors captures an understudied area as autistic youth transition to adulthood.